From the Heart: Kyle Infante

“I just needed something to make me forget the complete lack of belonging and numb the intense pain I felt in my heart. ER’s. Jails. Overdoses. Squandered trust funds. Lost opportunities. Totaled cars. Broken hearts. Treatment centers. Detoxes. Psych wards. My consequences are not unique, but they are relatable.

All three forms of my illness – drug addiction, eating disorder, and sex addiction – have been lifted.”

Hi, my name’s Kyle. I’m a person in long-term recovery and feel eternally grateful for that. I live in Dallas, Texas and my story may not be unique, but it may have the power to help someone else. I grew up in a Norman Rockwell-esque household in the upper-middle class suburbs of Dallas. Both parents were present, I had a loving family, and never went without. But I never really felt comfortable and began my eating disorder and drug addiction very quickly.

What started with pharmaceuticals quickly progressed to heroin and crystal meth. I was slave to binging and purging, the needle, and soon after the validation I sought from boys. I just needed something to make me forget the complete lack of belonging and numb the intense pain I felt in my heart. ER’s. Jails. Overdoses. Squandered trust funds. Lost opportunities. Totaled cars. Broken hearts. Treatment centers. Detoxes. Psych wards. My consequences are not unique, but they are relatable.

After spending my entire inheritance, most of my family’s money, dropping down to 110 lbs, and being physically broken, I had become willing to listen to someone else. I was receptive to the advice of others. I had found a way out. All three forms of my illness – drug addiction, eating disorder, and sex addiction – have been lifted.

Today I am a part of the world again. I’m no longer shackled to a needle or fixated on the mirror. Now I find value from within. Today, I’m over three years sober. I have a relationship with my Higher Power, which I choose to call God. I have my family back. I have deep, honest, emotional connections with the beautiful souls that lifted me up when I had fallen. I found the love of my life and I proposed to him in late 2015. I somehow found a job in the industry I love after years of failed opportunities.

But most importantly, today I contribute to whatever I take part in. As some of the most important people in my life put it, “I Say Yes.” I say all this not to gain sympathy or attention, but to be an example that there is a way out. Today I lead a life greater than I ever imagined for myself. Today, I love the person I’m becoming. You, too have more to live for than you even know.”